It seems at least some religious groups are waking up to the dangers of the pollution caused by crackers, which, though a tradition, have no religious significance. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Committee have decided to celebrate Gurupurab sans firecrackers in an attempt to send a strong message against acts of pollution. This comes in the light of the recent smog and worsening air quality in Delhi post Diwali.

“We have decided not to burn any firecrackers this year on Gurpurab which is celebrated by the Sikh community like Diwali. The decision of DSGMC will be conveyed to all 700 Singh Sabhas who will spread the message to all Gurdwaras in Delhi and hence the community associated with those Gurdwaras will also become aware of the decision. The idea is to spread awareness about the need to focus on environment-friendly ways to celebrate a festival,” DSGMC president Manjeet Singh GK told Indiatimes.com. He was also quoted saying “We also plan to conduct awareness through marches led by school children to appeal to people to join the fight against pollution,” added GK.

DSGMC also has plans to provide breathing masks to those in need from two major Guruswaras in Delhi Bangla Saheb near Connaught Place and Sisganj in Chandni Chowk.

Meanwhile, Indian Medical Association (IMA) president K K Aggarwal on Monday called on Delhiites to stay indoors while adding that the particulate matter 10 (pm) and 2.5 has crossed 600 which is hazardous for the people. India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts Delhi to have clear skies on Wednesday.